FUTURE STYLE
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Handmade in New Zealand Buzz Audio Elixir preamplifier module ( API -Automated Processes Inc.- 500VPR Series)  euro ----,00 The Elixir preamplifier module is a compliment to the fatter sound of many modules now available in the API 500VPR Series format and has been designed to provide exceptionally low noise wide bandwidth amplification of microphone and instrument signals. The elixir will suit those who desire a recording preamplifier where just a slight amount of bass colour is added to the original signal whilst retaining full treble extension and a smooth midrange - warm, sweet, liquid The Elixir circuit design is based on the Buzz Audio MA-2.2 mic preamp and utilises two BE40 True Class A amplifiers in a transformeless input arrangement. Following this is the output stage comprising of two newly designed BE50 True Class A high current audio buffers that drive a Lundahl LL1517 output transformer. As can be seen from the distortion specifications, the presence of the Lundahl output transformer adds a subtle amount of harmonic at low frequencies thereby enhancing the bottom end but without sacrificing the wide bandwith needed for good clarity in the top end. The output configuration of the Elixir results in a maximum output level of +34dBu before clipping, which means it can comfortably deliver clean audio into all analogue or digital recorders without overload. Gain range of the microphone input is 22dB to 70dB or -2dB to 50dB with the -20dB pad selected. More than enough for ribbon microphones. The input impedance (selected with the IN Z switch) is 4000 ohms in the H position or 1200 ohms in the L position. The instrument input on the Elixir features a "bootstrapped FET" high to low impedance convertor that then feeds the Elixir amplifier stages. Selection of the instrument input is automatic when a jack is inserted on the front panel input. Gain range of the instrument input is 10db less than the mic input at 12dB to 60dB. The input impedance is switchable 1,000,000 ohms or 20,000 ohms with the IN Z switch. Each elixir module draws 150mA of current from the frame power supply in which it is fitted and this is generally higher than most modules available from API and other manufacturers. At this time, it is recommended that only two modules are fitted into the API Lunchbox frame along with other modules. The API VPR rack will easily power 10 modules. Power supply compatibility with other frame manufacturers is not fully known at this time. Buzz Audio will update this information once further testing has been conducted. Features API 500VPR Series rack module format - plug in and play Advanced analogue technology - not a clone or copy of products from the past. Fully discrete hi-bias wide bandwidth differential Class A amplifiers. Matched and selected semiconductors. Transformerless input, straightline single path. High performance Lundahl output transformer. 41 position max trimmed GAIN control. Optimized "grunty" Class A amplifiers for the input/output functions. Output Mute and Hi/Lo input impedance switches. Accurate four LED peak level meter. Min Gain Mic = +22dB (-2dB with pad in) Max Gain Mic = +70dB Min Gain Instrument = +12dB (-3dB with pad in) Max Gain Instrument = +60dB Maximum Output Level = +34dBu into 3k ohm load. Frequency Response Mic = 10Hz to 300kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB). Frequency Response Instrument = 10Hz to 120kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB). Harmonic Distortion measured at -20dBu input level, gain adjusted for +10dBu output level Mic = 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.01% @ 1kHz, 0.005% @ 10kHz Instrument = 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.015% @ 1kHz, 0.015% @10kHz EIN Mic = -132.5dB A wtg, 150ohm source Z. Signal to Noise Ratio Mic = -73dB A wtg, input shorted. Signal to Noise Ratio Instrument = -76dB A wtg, input shorted. CMNR Mic = -78dB @ 100Hz, -100dB @ 1kHz, -100dB @ 10kHz. Input Impedance Mic = 4k ohms/1k2 ohms switchable. Input Impedance Instrument = 1MEG ohms/20k ohms switchable. Controls = Gain, Mute, Phase Reverse, 20dB input Pad, Input impedance, Phantom pwr. Indicators = 4 LED peak reading meter. Size = (37Wx132H). Fits 1 space in API(TM) 500 series rack format Power requirements = 150mA +/- 15-18 volts DC, as supplied by frame power supply. 0dBu reference = 0.775 volts RMS designer of the Buzz Audio products: Tim Farrant |
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Contacts Buzz Audio 77 Kent Terrace Wellington 6001 New Zealand tel/fax +64+4+385-2478 PO Box 6677 Wellington 6035 New Zealand Dealers Italy Studio Fuoriporta Riccardo Corbari via Brambilla, 2. 27010 San Zenone al Po (Pavia) Tel. (+39) 0382.72.96.77 , eMail |
advanced technologic sound magazine 2006 June issue 150
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